The head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), Advocate Andrea Johnson, has asked President Cyril Ramaphosa and National Director of Public Prosecutions Andy Mothibi for permission to resign with immediate effect following intense scrutiny at the Madlanga Commission.
Johnson’s request comes after several days of testimony before the commission, where she faced sustained questioning over her leadership of the anti-corruption unit and allegations relating to its handling of sensitive investigations involving Crime Intelligence. Among the claims put before the commission are allegations that Johnson emailed the contents of an assault docket involving suspended Crime Intelligence Major General Feroz Khan directly to him. Johnson has denied wrongdoing and is expected to return to the commission on Monday to continue her testimony.
In a letter addressed to Ramaphosa and Mothibi, Johnson requested that she be released from her duties within 24 hours, saying she believed her departure would be in the best interests of both the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and IDAC.
Her resignation request follows a meeting with Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi and Mothibi, during which concerns were reportedly raised about evidence presented before the commission concerning the directorate’s conduct.
The National Prosecuting Authority confirmed that Mothibi had received Johnson’s letter and that it was being processed. No decision has yet been announced on whether her resignation will be accepted.
Johnson’s appearance before the Madlanga Commission has been closely watched after earlier witnesses questioned IDAC’s handling of investigations linked to Crime Intelligence and alleged interference in criminal matters. The commission has also heard claims that the directorate operated outside its legal framework in some investigations, allegations that have intensified pressure on its leadership.